http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-559376.mp3
Albany, NY – GEMS: GIRLS IN ENGINEERING, MATH AND SCIENCE -
A survey suggests that parents and students don't feel the same sense
of urgency about mathematics and science education that many business
and education leaders do. According to the Public Agenda Poll released
in 2006, 57% of parents surveyed think their children are already learning
enough math and science. Interestingly, the survey also found that high
school students feel about the same toward math and science, regardless
of gender. 58% of girls, and 55% of boys agreed that increasing the number
of required math and science courses would improve their education.
In our National Science Foundation series on women in science, we
found out that it's not always classes that boost interest. It can often
be after school activities. GEMS is an after school club in Fairfax County, Virginia. GEMS stands for Girls in Engineering, Math and Science.
GEMS has been so popular that it's been doubling in size each year.
So TBOOK investigated the program at Thomas Jefferson High School
in depth to try and find out the secrets of its success.
Richard Paul reports. (14:48)
**(Attention Program Directors. If listeners call to find out more about
GEMS clubs, please refer them to this website: www.gemsclub.org)**
STIMULATING YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY -
And the U.S. is not alone in trying to stimulate more student interest in
science and technology. All across the developed world, ever fewer
students are going into scientific and technical education. Recently in Amsterdam, a large one-day event called Platform Betatechniek, was
held to stimulate children's interest in science and technology. TBOOK
talked with the program's spokesman, Rolf Schreuder.
Laura Durnford reports from Radio Netherlands. (4:09)